Stay Awake – Mary Poppins

A light snow fell upon the ground, coating the small park in a layer of pure soft whiteness. Frankie curled into herself a little more, attempting to fit her entire body under the fading gray coat she had picked up along her travels. The cold from the hard metal bench she was resting on seeped through her threadbare sweatshirt and caused her to shiver again. Midwestern winters were harsh, and not many people would dare venture outdoors after nightfall. However, there was no other place to go. All of the good stoops and shelters were full. That left only the park benches for the homeless and runaways, like Ms. Stone.

She coughed lightly into her hand and sniffled, hoping a cold wasn't catching. As she closed her eyes, a soothing sound reached her ears. She lifted her head to gaze over at the bench across from hers, where a mother and two small children lay huddled together under cardboard boxes. A sense of longing made its way through the small blonde. For a moment, she wondered what it would be like to have a mother who would sing her children to sleep. She watched as the two children hugged each other, taking comfort in their bond. What it would be like to have a true sibling love, where you looked out for each other, no matter what.

Shaking herself out of those unattainable wishes and thoughts, she turned over, putting her back to the group. Frankie closed her eyes and dreamed of a life. A life where someone cared about her and helped her. She dreamed of finding the one person who could love her. And as she slowly slipped into unconsciousness, the faint voice filled her head, "Stay awake, don't nod and dream..."